How the Showdown Works
Staring at a list of ten names rarely gets you to an answer. Choosing between two usually does. Name Showdown turns your list into a single-elimination bracket: you see two names, pick the one you like more, and the winner moves on until one name is left.
A list of 8 names takes 7 picks, and any list takes one fewer pick than it has names. Uneven lists get byes, so a name can skip the first round. With your order kept, the names at the top of your list get those free passes, so put your favorites first. The tool takes up to 16 names and runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Head-to-Head vs. Other Ways to Choose
You decide, one pair at a time
- Shortlists of 3 to 16
- Baby, pet, brand, or character names
- Finding a gut favorite
Chance decides, with a show
- Raffles and giveaways
- Classroom picks
- Names you're happy with equally
Chance decides, instantly
- Ordering a list
- Splitting into groups
- Quick one-off picks
The name wheel and name randomizer leave the choice to luck. A showdown keeps it with you, because every pick is a real preference.
Get a Result You Trust
- Trim to names you'd actually use
- Pick fast and go with your first reaction
- Run it twice with Shuffle on and compare winners
- Use Undo if you misclicked
- Padding the list with names you don't like
- Overthinking each pair
- Trusting one run when the final was close
- Judging names by how they sit in the list
Byes and bracket position give some names an easier path, so a single run isn't a verdict. If the same name wins after a shuffled rematch, you've found your favorite. If the winner changes, the top names are close, and that's worth knowing too.
Common Questions
How many names can I put in a showdown?
Between 2 and 16. Sixteen names means four rounds and 15 picks. If you paste more than 16, only the first 16 enter, so trim the list or run separate showdowns and pit the winners against each other.
What is a bye?
When the number of names isn't 2, 4, 8, or 16, some names skip the first round and go straight to the next. With Shuffle off, the names at the top of your list get the byes.
Can I undo a pick?
Yes. Press the Undo button or the Backspace key to take back the last pick, even after a winner is shown. Rematch replays the same draw from the start.
Can I pick with the keyboard?
Yes. Use the left arrow for the left name and the right arrow for the right name. Shortcuts are off while you're typing in the names box.
Does the tool save or send my names?
No. The bracket runs in your browser, and your names stay on your device.